An extensive programme of upgrades and enhancements is well
underway at Donington Park, as the East Midlands circuit prepares
for its second full season under MotorSport Vision (MSV)
operation.

These works, which will benefit all users of the venue, follow
on from the many changes introduced during last winter, which
included a completely new, hard surface for Paddock 3, many new
toilet blocks and the creation of the superb Garage 39 café,
restaurant and bar.

Multiple improvements for race event
spectators
The most obvious change in 2019 will be to the main paddock
entrance for pedestrian access into the circuit. Spectators will
now enter the venue through a new section just to the right of the
existing main entrance point, completely separate from vehicles,
with three ticket booths and six pay lanes, allowing for much
swifter entry. The ambience will be improved too, with the whole
area set to be heavily landscaped.

Work started around a month before Christmas with a significant
amount of earth excavated to make way for the new entrance, while
the old concrete wall has been completely demolished to improve
aesthetics and open up the view of the Melbourne Hairpin. The new
entrance will be completed and operational by the start of the new
season in March.

Further changes will take place at the pedestrian entrance at
the Fogarty Esses: a more effective admission system will allow
faster access into the circuit, with new pay booths set to be
installed and more landscaping planned.

The tunnel into the infield at the Esses will also be improved
with new LED lighting and signage, while additional signage will be
erected all around the venue to make navigation much easier for all
visitors to Donington Park.

Metal barriers in spectator zones will be replaced with more
attractive wooden equivalents, while an additional spectator
upgrade comes in the form of increased capacity at the popular
Starkey's Parking area, with space for around 50 more vehicles.

Significant improvement works will also be carried out on the
infield campsite to improve drainage.

A big new focal point will be the relocation of the race
winners' podium. The previous elevated structure wasn't visible to
many spectators and those watching from the pit lane hindered its
use, creating a safety risk. So a new podium will be constructed by
the Scrutineering Bay next to Garage 39. This will enable many more
people to witness the post-race ceremonies and will further enhance
the atmosphere in the paddock.

Further upgrades to benefit circuit users and track
marshals
Donington's excellent marshals will benefit from several upgrades
over the winter, which include the installation of brand new
marshal posts to replace the outdated existing versions. Around a
third of the posts will be replaced before the new season, as part
of a two-year plan to replace or renovate all of them. Marshals
will also be allocated designated parking areas near to their posts
at most events so they can reach them easily in their own
vehicles.

For race competitors and trackday users, the concrete run-off at
the Old Hairpin has been improved and extended, whilst the paddock
will feature three new designated recycling areas to dispose of
waste and oil.

Meanwhile the new and extended Pit Lane Suite at the rear of
Garage 39 has been designed to host briefings during race meetings
and trackdays, and benefits from its own reception area and direct
access to the pit lane. It's also an ideal space for meetings,
banquets and conferences, or for use on automotive manufacturer
events.

Finally, hundreds of new trees will enhance the parkland feel of
the circuit. Five hundred saplings have already been planted on the
banking behind the Hollywood Grandstand, with more to follow on the
infield, with their location very carefully planned to ensure no
views of the race track will be obscured.

Donington Park Venue Manager Chris York commented: "Whilst a
considerable amount of work was carried out last winter to bring
Donington Park up to the standards of the other circuits in the MSV
portfolio, we were aware of other areas where investment was much
needed. Our programme of upgrades over the next few months will
ensure Donington takes another big stride forward in time for our
brilliant calendar of events in 2019."

The new events season at Donington commences on Sunday 3 March
with the Donington Rally. A complete list of confirmed events for
the new season is viewable here.